Ratings are based
on a 1 to 5 scale
1 being the worst. 3 ... average.
5 is the highest rating.

TwInSeN21

Smeargle

In Unlimited, Jungle/Base 2 Clefable is better in most instances.
Or maybe even Fossil Ditto. Sketch just doesn't really cut it
here. Rating: 2/5

In Modified, this was often used in the Mirror Match when
Downpour/Riptide Feraligatr was rampant. Now though, it's just not
that good anymore. Rating: 2.3/5

In Draft, this could be quite helpful if your opponent managed to
get something big out. Being colorless helps as well. Rating: 3/5

X- Act

Neo Discovery Smeargle

Continuing our Colorless
Basic-Pokemon-that-can't-evolve week, here is Neo 2
Smeargle. A card that used to be played a lot in the
Old Modified to counter the almighty Riptide
Feraligatr. Does it still has a use in today's
environment?

Read the ratings for the
answer. ;x

Unlimited: This could
actually be a pretty interesting card in Unlimited.
Rocket's Zapdos has just Electroburned to KO one of
your Pokemon? Smeargle can Electroburn it back.
Sneasel has just Beaten Up to KO one of your Pokemon
with 3 Heads flips out of 6? (Note that I'm being
realistic here.) Smeargle can Beat Up Sneasel back.
However, a closer inspection reveals that this isn't
that good of a card, for three reasons. First of all,
it's only 50HP, so your opponent can just Gust it to
KO it instead. Secondly, it's weak to Fighting, so
Tyrogue can easily KO it if your opponent again Gusts
it. Thirdly... Clefable can do almost exactly the same
thing, with more HP, and a lower Energy requirement.

1.5/5

Modified: Now, what are
the decks that deal OHKO-type damage in Modified?
Entei/Magcargo, and Nu-Gatr (Riptide Gatr with
Parasect and/or massive Energy Card drawing like
Seer/Juggler/etc.). So, basically, if your environment
is full of either (or both) of these decks, then this
card can be an interesting TeCH. Although, I must
admit, even if you KO Magcargo or Feraligatr back with
Smeargle, you'll then probably watch your opponent
bring up his or her Tyrogue and Smash Punch... oops.
Well, just remember to attach a Focus Band to it. :)

2/5

Draft: I don't know much
about Pokemon statistics, but this card will probably
rate as one of the Holofoils with the least HP in
Pokemon (probably only Mew beats it... and Celebi is
on a par with it). And, umm, Neo Discovery reminds me
of a certain Baby called Tyrogue, which is a Common in
this set and that slaughters this card. Moreover, your
opponent's Draft deck, however lucky they might have
been, won't do massive damage, rendering Smeargle
useless.

1/5

TR Shadow

Smeargle

Not too bad, especially in Gator decks with the ole Modified.
Me likes! It doesn't need the energy to use the attack. It's
good to have one powered up on your bench then bring him up
later after one of your other Pokemon has been KOed by
something powerful of your opponents. It also works well with
a Double Gust so you can aim the attack at what you want. I
would not recommend basing a deck around this card, but
there's nothing wrong with using it as a backup hitter.

Unlimited 4/5
Modified 4/5
Limited 3/5

~TR Shadow~

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